Centre Seeks Supreme Court Nod to Allow Sale of Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR Under Strict Oversight
New Delhi | October 10, 2025: In a significant development ahead of Diwali, the Union government on Friday requested the Supreme Court to permit the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) under stringent regulatory conditions. The move seeks to balance citizens’ right to celebrate festivals with the urgent need to curb air pollution in one of the world’s most polluted urban regions.
The Centre’s submission was made during a hearing before a bench led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, where Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented a detailed proposal outlining measures for controlled production, sale, and use of environmentally safer firecrackers. The hearing, still underway, comes amid ongoing litigation challenging the blanket ban on firecrackers in the region.
The Centre’s Proposal: Green Crackers Only, Strictly Regulated
The government’s proposal emphasizes that only green firecrackers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) should be manufactured and sold. These firecrackers are designed to release fewer pollutants compared to traditional varieties.
Traditional “joined” or “laris” firecrackers would remain banned. The Centre also recommended that sales be permitted only through licensed traders, while online platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart should not be allowed to process orders for firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.
The proposal includes specific time slots for bursting firecrackers to reduce environmental impact:
- Diwali and major festivals: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve: 11:55 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
- Gurpurab: One hour in the morning and one hour in the evening.
For weddings and personal occasions, green crackers may be allowed within specified hours, subject to local permissions.
Oversight Mechanisms and Research
According to the Centre’s plan, NEERI and PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) will maintain updated lists of approved firecrackers and manufacturers. CSIR-NEERI will continue its research to create even lower-emission fireworks, supporting India’s transition to cleaner celebrations.
Authorities will conduct source apportionment studies to evaluate how much firecrackers contribute to Delhi’s overall pollution levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and local pollution control boards will monitor air quality before, during, and after festive seasons to assess the policy’s effectiveness.
An official from NEERI, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are committed to supporting the transition to green firecrackers through rigorous testing and certification. The key challenge lies in ensuring compliance on the ground.”
The Legal Battle: Manufacturers vs. Environmental Concerns
Friday’s submission follows months of legal debate over the blanket ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The case stems from a Supreme Court order dated April 3, 2025, which prohibited the sale, storage, and use of all types of firecrackers in the region, citing severe air quality deterioration during the winter months.
Manufacturers, represented by the Federation of Fireworks Traders, the Association of Fireworks (Haryana), and the Indic Collective Trust, challenged the ban, calling it discriminatory and unscientific. They argued that other major sources such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants contribute far more to Delhi’s air pollution than firecrackers used for a few hours during festivals.
“Banning firecrackers entirely while ignoring other pollution sources is not a balanced solution,” said a spokesperson for the Federation of Fireworks Traders. “We support regulations and are open to adopting green technologies, but livelihoods of thousands of small manufacturers and workers are at stake.”
Previous Court Directions and Enforcement Challenges
In September, the Supreme Court provided limited relief to certified manufacturers by allowing the production of green crackers with valid NEERI and PESO licenses. However, the Court barred their sale within NCR, pending a detailed regulatory framework.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) later highlighted enforcement loopholes, noting that some traders were misusing QR codes meant for certified green crackers to sell unapproved products. The absence of a comprehensive tracking system made it difficult to verify whether firecrackers sold in the market were indeed compliant.
Why This Matters: Balancing Festivity and Public Health
Delhi consistently records hazardous air quality levels during winter, with Diwali fireworks often blamed for sharp spikes in pollution. According to the CPCB, particulate matter (PM2.5) levels post-Diwali night have historically risen to 10–15 times the safe limit, worsening respiratory issues among children and the elderly.
However, for millions of citizens, Diwali remains synonymous with celebration, lights, and fireworks. The Centre’s current proposal seeks to bridge this gap — allowing limited, safer celebrations without exacerbating the city’s pollution crisis.
Environmental activists have welcomed the move for green firecrackers but urged for strict monitoring and real-time enforcement. “It’s a step in the right direction, but regulations are only as effective as their implementation,” said Dr. Meena Agarwal, an environmental policy expert.
Current Hearing and Expected Outcome
The bench led by CJI Bhushan R Gavai is currently examining the Centre’s proposal. The court is expected to issue interim directions soon, possibly allowing the sale of certified green firecrackers under strict supervision for the upcoming festive season.
Sources suggest that the final decision could involve the creation of a joint monitoring committee comprising representatives from the Centre, NEERI, CPCB, and Delhi government to oversee compliance during Diwali.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The Supreme Court’s final verdict on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR could shape how India celebrates its festivals in the years to come. The Centre’s balanced approach—prioritizing both tradition and public health—marks an important shift toward responsible celebration.
As the hearing continues, the focus will remain on whether regulatory bodies can enforce these measures effectively and ensure that citizens enjoy a cleaner, safer, and joyous Diwali.